Business, international

Bomb-proofing measures may double building costs

Article Abstract:

Areport on bomb-proofing buildings recommends structural alterations and strengthening for buildings at risk from terrorist attacks. The report, By engineer, Mott MacDonald and surveyor, Gardiner and Theobald predicts the cost of extra bomb-proofing measures will be between 50 and 100 pounds sterling per sq ft which could constitute a doubling of the building costs. Despite measureslike using expolsive-resistant glazing, fortification of lower walls and strengtheinig of vital elements of the building, it is not possible to protect buildings from very large bombs.

Report calls for insurers to take account of buildings structural performance

Article Abstract:

Consultant engineer, R T James and Partners has published a report on the insurance implications of explosions. The report recommends that insurers take the structural capability of buildings to withstand blasts into account when assessing premiums. However, the insurance industry is though to be reluctant to adopt this policy as it feels it should not have to cover damage done by terrorists at all. Premiums for all buildings are likely to rise following the Bishopsgate explosion in London, England.

Plea for more government investment as industry shows 'tentative optimism'

Article Abstract:

The construction industry is now experiencing some optimism over the end of the recession, according to three recent reports. 'Construction Leads' expects output to rise by almost 6% in the next year, with 4.9% growth in housing. The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors expects 110,000 jobs to go before 1995. The National Council of Building Material Producers expects construction output to decline by 1.5% in 1993.